Paddle Palace staff Ryan Gibson currently plays with the Hunter Flame blade (flared handle), assembled with black Dr. Neubauer Defence Master (1.5mm) and red Tibhar Grass D.TecS rubber (OX sponge).
PLAYING STYLE: Defensive Blocker
Gibson's Setup: As a close-to-the-table blocker, having a light setup is critical
to my reflexive play style. Hunter Flame, with its Balsa characteristics, enhances
blocking while keeping everything lightweight. Dr. Neubauer Defence Master rubber is very
direct and linear, allowing me to easily place the ball while retaining good feeling
for spin. I continue to choose Tibhar Grass D.techs in OX because it is simply the
best weapon for a disruptive blocking game near the table.
THE BLADE: The Hunter Flame is an extremely light blade with balsa core and Ayous and Koto outer layers. Fantastic lightness and versatility for the allround game.
BLACK RUBBER: Dr. Neubauer Defence Master is the key to a highly effective defensive game thanks to its very grippy, even slightly tacky rubber surface. The rubber produces maximum rotation and offers excellent control while chopping. Fast topspin shots can be returned easily, with a flat trajectory. Its high level of control also allows for great spin variations.
This rubber is particularly effective for players using pips or Anti-Spin rubbers on the other side. Defence Master can also be used for occasional attacking through looping or hitting to change the rhythm of the game.
RED RUBBER:Tibhar Grass D.TecS is a best selling long pips rubber! With the integrated D.TecS effect in Tibhar's classical long pimples rubber, the player will experience new variations to cut the ball and to counter the opponent’s destabilizing strokes. Thanks to the integrated tension in the pimples and the sponge, the pimples get softer, which enables the player to cut the ball in a sensational way. However, because of the softness of the rubber, the D.TecS effect provides amazing control plus enough speed to destabilize the opponent with nervous aggressive shots during disturbing attacks at the table.
